We’ve had enough – politicians demand end to the online hatred
SCOTLAND’s politicians are taking on Twitter in an unprecedented bid to stem the torrent of abuse and threats they face on a daily basis.
A cross-party letter signed by representatives of Holyrood’s five main parties is demanding that the social media giant takes urgent action.
It follows Tory MSP Annie Wells speaking out about how she was advised not to go out alone after being targeted.
Now the SNP, Tories, Labour, Greens and Lib Dems have signed a letter to Twitter urging it fight online hatred.
They have called for swifter action against people who use the website as a platform for abuse, the immediate deletion of offensive posts, tougher bans for rogue accounts, and the reporting of criminality, such as inciting violence or hate crime, to police.
The letter, which was signed by MPs and MSPs, was sent on Friday afternoon. It read: ‘Politicians are being verbally attacked, threatened, and made to fear for their safety by comments posted on your platform. It is a problem faced by politicians of all parties but, sadly, more by women and people from ethnic minorities.
‘It has no place in our political discourse, is harmful to debate, and discourages people from entering frontline politics.
‘We would urge Twitter to do more to remove abusive comments, ban those who use it to abuse and threaten, and be more proactive in referring anyone who commits a crime, via Twitter, to the police.’
Ms Wells, who represents Glasgow, said: ‘Social media has a role to play, but politicians are all people with families who just want to get on with their jobs.
‘If nothing is done to tackle this then we are not going to encourage women, people from ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities, into politics.’
Last night, Twitter insisted it was making changes. A spokeswoman said: ‘While we welcome people to express themselves freely on Twitter, we do not tolerate behaviour that crosses the line into abuse, hateful conduct or harassment.
‘We are deeply committed to improving our service to ensure the safety of our users is paramount.’